Day 8 · The Nativity Fast
A Star Out of Jacob
“I see him, but not now. I see him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob. A sceptre will rise out of Israel, and shall strike through the corners of Moab, and crush all the sons of Sheth.”Numbers 24:17
Reflection
Balaam was a foreign prophet hired to curse Israel, but every time he opened his mouth, blessing came out instead. In his last oracle he saw a star coming out of Jacob and a sceptre rising out of Israel. The Church reads this passage at Vespers on Christmas Eve, and the Magi, foreigners themselves, would follow a star to the newborn King. God is not limited by our ideas of who should speak for him, or who may come to him.
A prayer
Lord, you spoke even through Balaam and led the Magi by a star. Lead me too. When I am in darkness, let your light rise in my heart, and give me the persistence of the wise men to follow it all the way to you. Amen.
Carry this with you
What has God used, unexpectedly, to lead you toward him?